IDEX Talks Continues its Sessions that Attract World-Renowned Experts to Discuss Pressing Issues in the Defence Sector
Abu Dhabi, UAE, 23 February 2023: The inaugural sessions of IDEX and NAVDEX Talks, held under the esteemed patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, are underway. These sessions are expertly designed to bring together thought leaders, policymakers, and eminent experts to tackle significant issues within the defense sector.
Kickstarting the discourse was the session titled “Reflecting the message of the UAE’s leadership to shape our future success: The case of the Covid-19 Pandemic.” H.E. Dr. Farida Al Hosani, Executive Director of Infectious Diseases and Official Spokesperson of the UAE Health Sector, elaborated on the key factors that contributed to the nation’s triumphant handling of the COVID-19 crisis. “The comprehensive communication strategy, utilizing over 14 languages, was crucial to fend off misinformation and engage the community effectively,” she stated. Furthermore, she highlighted the UAE’s expansion of its vaccine storage capacity to $6 billion to cater not only to the UAE but also to other countries globally.
Dr. Al Hosani also discussed the potential of new technologies such as AI, drones, and advanced data analytics in future pandemic responses, advocating for a proactive regulatory framework to harness these advancements.
The second session, entitled “Cyber security future 2030: How to develop a sustainable defensive ecosystem,” featured Dr. Bushra Al Blooshi, Deputy Director of Information Services at Dubai Electronic Security Centre. She stressed that cybersecurity is vital to both economic growth and national security, particularly as the UAE is home to one of the busiest airports globally. Dr. Al Blooshi outlined ambitious technological goals for 2030, including 3D printing of buildings and the introduction of autonomous vehicles, while emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity as a fundamental enabler for these initiatives.
The focus shifted to gender representation in the defence sector during the third session, “Emirati Women in Defence: Seeking new paradigms of thinking.” Dr. Eng. Fatma Bazargan, Director of Enabling Technologies, Requirements & Capabilities at Raytheon Emirates Ltd, shared her insights on transitioning from government to the private sector, encouraging women to embrace opportunities in the defence field. She highlighted the essential skills needed to succeed, urging women to have confidence in their capabilities despite the male-dominated environment.
Hala Alzargani from the Center for Innovation & Security Solutions at Lockheed Martin emphasized the importance of mentorship in promoting female Emirati engineers. She advocated for greater knowledge sharing among women to challenge stereotypes and encourage participation in the industry.
Meera Taher, Electrical Engineer at SAAB, acknowledged the unwavering commitment of UAE leadership in supporting women’s roles in the defence sector and called for early-stage training programs to equip women with necessary skills for diverse career pathways.
The fourth session, titled “Advancing defence and security education,” featured Dr. Ruxandra Vlad, Assistant Professor of Homeland Security. She urged academic institutions to recruit experienced faculty from government and military backgrounds to enhance students’ learning experiences. Dr. Vlad reinforced the integration of modern technologies in the classroom to develop practical skills necessary for students entering the defense arena.
Concluding the series was the fifth session, “Defence Utilization of SMEs as Tech Disruptors,” led by Dr. Ahmed D. Aljaberi, Technology Officer and Advisor to the Presidential Guard. He emphasized the necessity for clear planning and strategy in addressing challenges posed by autonomous systems, noting that policy development often lags behind technological advancements.
The dialogues at IDEX and NAVDEX Talks encapsulate the UAE’s commitment to addressing and adapting to the pressing challenges within the defense sector through collaboration, innovation, and empowerment.
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Source: IDEX (2023-02-23T14:24:44+00:00)
